---
title: King Amenhotep III as a Lion
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5368/king-amenhotep-iii-as-a-lion/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 2024-07-19
---

# King Amenhotep III as a Lion

_Authored by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/)_

## Image File

[![King Amenhotep III as a Lion](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/5368.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/5368.jpg)

## Image Caption

Statue of [Amenhotep III](https://www.worldhistory.org/Amenhotep_III/), declares the king's might by representing him as a lion, from Napata (Gebel Barkal, Sudan), originally from Soleb (Sudan), 18th Dynasty, reign of Amenhotep III, 1390-1352 BCE.

Pharaohs were often shown as a [sphinx](https://www.worldhistory.org/sphinx/), with the body of a lion, but the full lion image is rare. An inscription on the chest, added by Amenhotep IV, calls the king a "lion of the rulers, wild when he sees his enemies tread his path". The [sculpture](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Sculpture/) was famed for its realistic anatomical detail and departure from the frontality of most [Egyptian](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Egyptian/) statues. The eyes were originally inlaid. Amenhotep III commissioned the lion sculptures for the [temple](https://www.worldhistory.org/temple/) of [Amun](https://www.worldhistory.org/amun/)-Ra at Soleb in Upper Nubia, in the conquered former kingdom of [Kush](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kush/). The next king, Amenhotep IV (later called [Akhenaten](https://www.worldhistory.org/Akhenaten/)), ensured that these sculptures reached Soleb, after his father's untimely [death](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Death/). In the text on the base, Amenhotep is honored by his grandson, [Tutankhamun](https://www.worldhistory.org/Tutankhamun/). A thousand years later, the statues so impressed the Kushite ruler, Amanislo, that her moved them 500 kilometers south to the [city](https://www.worldhistory.org/city/) of Napata. Here, Amanislo's name appear on the lion's left foreleg.

The British Museum, London.

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Associate Professor of Neurology and lover of the Cradle of Civilization, Mesopotamia. I'm very interested in Mesopotamian history and always try to take photos of archaeological sites and artifacts in museums, both in Iraq and around the world.
- [Facebook Profile](https://www.facebook.com/MRCPian)
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/osama-shukir-muhammed-amin/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Amin, O. S. M. (2016, July 18). King Amenhotep III as a Lion. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5368/king-amenhotep-iii-as-a-lion/>
### Chicago
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "King Amenhotep III as a Lion." *World History Encyclopedia*, July 18, 2016. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5368/king-amenhotep-iii-as-a-lion/>.
### MLA
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "King Amenhotep III as a Lion." *World History Encyclopedia*, 18 Jul 2016, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5368/king-amenhotep-iii-as-a-lion/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 18 July 2016. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Copyright](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright). You cannot use, copy, distribute, or modify this item without explicit permission from the author. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.